Think twice before you turn on the faucet to wash off that raw meat.
The Centers for Disease Control issued a stern warning against washing raw chicken and other meat, explaining that it can spread germs throughout the kitchen.
In a tweet posted last week, the CDC wrote, “Don’t wash your raw chicken! Washing can spread germs from the chicken to other food or utensils in the kitchen.”
According to the CDC, raw chicken is often contaminated withCampylobacterbacteria and sometimes withSalmonellaorClostridium perfringensbacteria.
By washing raw chicken in the sink, the CDC explains, it’s possible that germs from the uncooked chicken could end up spreading all over the kitchen — contaminating the sink, other surfaces, utensils or dishes with these bacteria.
The CDC also recommends using a separate cutting board to cut raw meat, and to “never place cooked food or fresh produce on a plate, cutting board or other surface that previously held raw chicken.”
Make sure your hands are clean, too — the CDC recommends washing hands with warm soapy water for 20 seconds before and after handling raw chicken.
source: people.com
